Self-tacking jibs and staysails are popular on boats of all sizes because tacking is nearly automatic, with no need to haul in or release a sheet. They work well with furling systems and with jib booms. Calculate loadings for traveler cars and blocks using the following Genoa System Loading Calculator.

Typical Boat Length:
Small Boat: 22' - 28' (6.7 - 8.5 m)
Midrange: 29' - 34' (8.8 - 10.4 m)
Big Boat: 35' - 42' (10.7 - 12.8 m)

Standard Self-tacker This system is often used on course racing keelboats like Solings. The traveler track is bent in a radius equal to the distance from the headstay to the sheeting point along the luff perpendicular of the sail. Diagram Ref. Description Small Boat Part No. Midrange Part No. Big Boat Part No. A Thru-deck 131 046 047 B Single 2636 2600 3226

2:1 Self-tacker Self-tacking jibs are popular because they keep the foredeck clean. Diagram Ref. Description Small Boat Part No. Midrange Part No. Big Boat Part No. A Single  — 2660 3226 B Padeye 1558  688 689 C Cheek 6237 6237 3220 D Single  — 2660 3215

Self-tacker on Jib Boom Self-tacking jibs and staysails work well with furling systems and jib booms. This system features two “sheets” -- one controls the in and out movement of the sail much like an outhaul. The other controls the boom. Diagram Ref. Description Small Boat Part No. Midrange Part No. Big Boat Part No. A Furler Unit 0 Unit 1 Unit 2 B Double 2602 2662 3217 C Single 2600 2660 3215 D Single 2601 2661 3216 E Deck organizer 9000 9000 9005

If you would like to link to or reprint this article please contact advertising@harken.com